A four-star US Air Force general stated that Washington anticipates a probable conflict with China in 2025 and instructed his commanders to aim "for the head" when preparing for combat.

As per news reports, a stunning internal memo signed by General Mike Minihan, director of the Air Mobility Command, and verified as genuine by the Pentagon stated that the US's primary objective should be to dissuade "and, if required, defeat" China.

"I hope I am wrong," General Mike Minihan, who heads the Air Mobility Command, wrote to the leadership of its roughly 110,000 members. "My gut tells me will fight in 2025."

Although the general's opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Pentagon, they do indicate that the U.S. military's top command is concerned about a potential Chinese effort to impose control over Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.

In 2024, there will be presidential elections in the US and Taiwan, which could present a chance for China to launch a military operation, Minihan wrote.

According to a U.S. defence official, "These comments are not indicative of the department's perspective on China."